Tata group gets nod for roof-top helipad

The government grants operational clearance to Tata Group's private roof-top helipad, only the second such facility in India.

The government on Wednesday granted operational clearance to Tata Group's private roof-top helipad, only the second such facility in the country, in south Mumbai.

Director General of Civil Aviation Kanu Gohain signed the papers in Mumbai granting permission to the Tata Group for the helipad atop the Taj Wellington Mews - a luxury hotel - for private use. Trial landings were conducted last month.

The other such helipad is also in Mumbai and is operated by the Essar Group from its facility in the Mahalakshmi area.

"Such helipads will encourage users and in particular, hospitals to operate helicopters for medical emergencies or disaster management," Gohain said on the sidelines of an international conference on chopper operations in the financial capital.

He said a few more applications, which had been received by the DGCA earlier had been rejected primarily on the ground of obstacles on the flight path.

Asked about proposals to construct heliports in Delhi, especially on the banks of river Yamuna, Gohain said: "Helipads or heli-stops could be considered there, if not for public use and subject to fulfilling of the conditions, rules and regulations set by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation).

"These could be used for the upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games. However, no final decision has been taken," he said.

While heliports are like airports having hangar, maintenance and other facilities for helicopters, helipads and heli-stops are meant only for landing and take-off and have no permanency.